**Chapter 224: Goodbyes and Restless Hearts**
Willow and the other girls had quickly retreated, their expressions a mix of fear and disbelief, as they watched Luna’s sudden outburst. The wildness in her eyes had sent shivers down their spines, making them wary of those sharp claws that seemed ready to strike.
“We really didn’t see that coming, did we? Maybe she bumped her head or something?” one girl whispered, glancing nervously at Luna.
“Honestly, she looked like she was about to tear someone apart. That was terrifying,” another chimed in, her voice trembling slightly.
Grant stood rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on Oriana’s back as she distanced herself from the chaos. A deep frown creased his brow, and he felt a surge of frustration. He turned sharply to Luna, seizing her wrist with a firm grip, his disappointment evident. “Luna, you need to pull yourself together.”
As the whispers of judgment and skepticism enveloped her, Luna slowly began to regain her composure. A cold sweat trickled down her spine, and a wave of realization crashed over her.
What had she just done?
How could she have jeopardized her carefully crafted image as the perfect heiress, her pride, for someone like Oriana?
Her heart raced, and her mind spun with confusion. Suddenly, everything around her blurred, and darkness enveloped her as she collapsed, falling directly into Grant’s waiting arms.
Zara hurried to catch up with Oriana, leaning in conspiratorially. “Tsk tsk. I’d wager a hundred bucks that Luna’s just pretending. She realized she made a total fool of herself and fainted on purpose. Just wait; she’ll come up with some ridiculous excuse later.”
Oriana remained silent, her thoughts swirling.
“But really, Oriana, are you hiding something from me?” Zara pressed, her arms crossed and her expression skeptical.
Oriana understood the implications behind her friend’s words. With no one else around to overhear, she decided to be honest. “He’s not just some random guy. Technically, he’s my cousin.”
Zara’s eyes widened with surprise. “Oh wow! Look at you! You’ve snagged yourself a husband and a little brother! One’s sweet and devoted, and the other’s all grumpy and cool. Nicely done!”
Oriana playfully smacked Zara on the head, a smile breaking through her earlier tension.
“His name is Kenny Caldwell. He’s Micah’s second grandfather’s grandson. So yeah, technically, he’s a cousin,” she explained, her tone lightening.
“Ahh, a Caldwell! Got it,” Zara said with a grin, rubbing her head where Oriana had playfully hit her. “Kidding, kidding—”
“Well, don’t joke like that. If Micah hears you, he’ll be upset.”
“See! I knew it. You’re not worried he’ll be mad; you’re worried he’ll be hurt. Girl, you’re totally whipped!” Zara teased, a knowing smirk on her face.
Oriana felt her cheeks flush with warmth, a mix of embarrassment and delight swelling within her.
Her heart surged with affection, filled with an overwhelming sense of joy.
When they finally arrived at the office, they discovered that Micah’s team had already taken care of all the paperwork for the horse transfer. A new stable was even lined up in Jindiwood, ready to welcome Stormwind.
Everything was perfectly arranged. All that remained was for Stormwind to be transported.
Suddenly, Oriana hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “Zara, I think I might do something that feels a bit disloyal to you.”
“What? Don’t tell me you’re planning to ditch me and head back to Jindiwood early?” Zara exclaimed, feigning shock.
Exhausted from her travels, Oriana arrived at the hospital, her body weary but her spirit determined.
Yet, as she approached the hospital room, her steps faltered.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and gently pushed the door open. Inside, the quiet darkness revealed a solitary figure sitting by the bed.
Time seemed to freeze as she stood still, her thoughts drifting back to a similar moment years ago in a rehabilitation center…
Back then, she had hesitated at the door, paralyzed by fear of stepping into the unknown.
But this time, her resolve was unshakeable. She moved forward with purpose, her heart racing as she wrapped her arms around that lonely figure from behind.
Micah stiffened at first, instinctively preparing to push whoever it was away, until that familiar breath washed over him. He froze, recognition dawning.
“It’s you…” he murmured, disbelief mingling with joy.
In an instant, he turned and pulled her into his arms, a whirlwind of emotions playing across his face.
Her presence enveloped him like a warm embrace, and as he inhaled the familiar scent of her hair, Micah held her close, his eyes softening in that precious moment.
“Weren’t you supposed to fly in tomorrow afternoon?” he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and relief.
Oriana, equally drawn to his warmth, nestled into him, savoring the comfort that only he could provide.

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